Breakfast That Sells: A 2026 Small-Store Playbook
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Own the morning. This guide gives you an 8-SKU starter set, simple pricing, coffee add-ons, and a 7-day launch plan—built for independents with one or two doors.
Why breakfast (and why now)
- Habit traffic: morning buyers repeat. A tight set builds routine and predictable reorders.
- Healthy convenience: protein-first and portion-controlled options match 2026 eating habits.
- Low-labor growth: single-serve SKUs reduce prep and waste vs. made-from-scratch programs.
If you’re also adding lunch/snacks, see Prepared Foods That Sell and the freezer tactics in Make Your Freezer Sell.
An 8-SKU breakfast starter set
- Protein Egg Bites (2 SKUs): classic + spicy/global feature (e.g., hot-honey or salsa-verde).
- Breakfast Bowls (2 SKUs): 20–30g protein; clear macro labels.
- Oats/Chia (2 SKUs): dairy & dairy-free options; fruit or nut toppings.
- Sweet Option (1 SKU): protein waffle/pancake or better-for-you pastry.
- Grab-Drink Tie-In (1 SKU): yogurt parfait or protein shake to pair with coffee.
Browse our catalog: see products (wholesale pricing visible when logged in).
Pricing ladders & bundles
- Good / Better / Best: value egg bites → macro-rich bowls → premium chef-style bowl.
- Bundle with coffee: “Breakfast + Coffee” at a round price; scripted at POS.
- Ladder by benefits: protein grams, diet claims (gluten-free, plant-based) justify step-ups.
Merchandising & shelf tags (AEO)
- Eye-level = buy-level: place top two SKUs at sightline; 2+ facings each.
- Daypart block: dedicate a breakfast block; color-code tag borders “AM”.
- Benefit-first tags: “25g Protein,” “Under 400 Calories,” “Gluten-Free,” “Plant-Based.”
- 1 new flavor/month: rotate the spicy/global egg-bite or bowl SKU.
Ops: holding times, rotation & waste
- Earliest delivery: stock before open; ensure case temp and date marks are set.
- FIFO + two-thirds full look: avoid the “picked-over” case by midday.
- Waste control: daily counts, last-day markdowns, and right-sized reorders based on POS.
- Allergens: clear tags and spec sheets; train staff on quick guidance.
Launch breakfast in 7 days
- Day 1: Choose your 8 SKUs; submit retailer application.
- Day 2: Approvals & order; print AM shelf tags and bundle sign.
- Day 3: Prep the case, assign facings, and set PARs for the top 3 SKUs.
- Day 4: Receive, date/label, face to a two-thirds full look.
- Day 5: Go live with the coffee bundle; add a counter tent card.
- Day 6: Collect feedback; reface; plan the next flavor rotation.
- Day 7: Review POS; adjust facings and reorder to PAR.
For all-day sets (lunch/snacks/dessert), pair this with Healthy Eating Trends.
Get approved & browse products
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Catalog: see products (case-ready SKUs; pricing shows when logged in).
FAQs
What’s the smallest viable breakfast set?
6 SKUs: 2 egg bites, 2 bowls, 1 oats/chia, 1 parfait or protein shake.
How should I price breakfast vs. lunch?
Keep breakfast entry price sharp; use bundles with coffee. Lunch can carry a higher step for protein grams or global flavors.
How often do I rotate flavors?
Monthly. Swap one spicy/global item; keep core best-sellers stable.
Can I mix refrigerated and frozen breakfast?
Yes—frozen reduces waste; add a couple of refrigerated “immediate” options if your AM traffic supports it.